Bekaert increases component production for hydrogen electrolysis

Belgian wire specialist Bekaert is investing in a new manufacturing plant in Wetteren, Belgium to double production of its “Currento” porous transport layers (PTL) technology for electrolysis, Kallanish notes.

The new plant will increase PTL capacity to over 2 gigawatts. In parallel, the steel processor will build a hydrogen lab at the Bekaert Technology Center in Deerlijk with the target to develop products for green hydrogen production in line with the strategy to boost its presence in the green energy markets.

“This investment is part of a larger, multiple GW capacity expansion program that is being implemented in support of customers and the broader energy transition towards a global hydrogen economy,” the company says in a note. It adds that its focus is to increase production of key components for electrolysis technology.

Bekaert is also investing to adapt its “Armofor” steel cord lightweight reinforced tape for use in pipelines for hydrogen transport at high pressure. It is currently used in oil and gas pipes (see Kallanish 13 April).

Natalia Capra France